History of Will Klein (baseball) in Timeline

Will Klein is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB). Before joining the Dodgers, Klein played for both the Kansas City Royals and the Oakland Athletics at the MLB level. He is a professional athlete in the sport of baseball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 28, 1999: William Klein's Birth

On November 28, 1999, William Boone Klein was born. He is an American professional baseball pitcher.

2017: High School Senior Year

In 2017, during his senior year at Bloomington High School North, Will Klein's pitching was limited to 17+2⁄3 innings due to a broken thumb. Despite this, he achieved 30 strikeouts and maintained a 1.98 ERA. He later enrolled at Eastern Illinois University.

2019: Collegiate Summer Baseball

In 2019, Will Klein played collegiate summer baseball with the Lakeshore Chinooks of the Northwoods League between his sophomore and junior years at EIU.

2020: Drafted by Kansas City Royals

In 2020, Will Klein was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the fifth round of the Major League Baseball draft as the 135th overall pick. He signed for $200,000.

2020: Junior Year at Eastern Illinois University

In 2020, during his junior year at Eastern Illinois University, Will Klein posted a 3.33 ERA with 33 strikeouts before the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Professional Debut

In 2021, Will Klein made his professional debut with the Quad Cities River Bandits, achieving a 7–1 record with a 3.20 ERA and 121 strikeouts. He was named the Royals' Pitching Prospect of the Year by MLB Pipeline.

2022: Play with Northwest Arkansas Naturals

In 2022, Will Klein played with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, experiencing a 10.51 ERA with 55 strikeouts over 30 games. His season was impacted by shin splints.

November 14, 2023: Added to Royals 40-man Roster

On November 14, 2023, the Royals added Will Klein to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

2023: Promotion to Omaha Storm Chasers

In 2023, Will Klein was promoted to the Omaha Storm Chasers and was selected to represent the Royals at the All-Star Futures Game. He finished the season with a 4.62 ERA across 49 appearances.

April 25, 2024: MLB Promotion

On April 25, 2024, Will Klein was promoted to the major leagues for the first time after an injury to Alec Marsh. He had a 6.35 ERA in five appearances for Kansas City.

July 30, 2024: Trade to Oakland Athletics

On July 30, 2024, Will Klein was traded to the Oakland Athletics along with Mason Barnett and Jared Dickey, in exchange for Lucas Erceg.

January 17, 2025: Designated for Assignment

On January 17, 2025, Will Klein was designated for assignment by the Athletics.

January 21, 2025: Traded to Seattle Mariners

On January 21, 2025, Will Klein was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for international bonus pool space. He was assigned to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.

June 2, 2025: Acquired by Los Angeles Dodgers

On June 2, 2025, Will Klein was acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Joe Jacques.

2025: World Series Appearance and Win

In 2025, Will Klein was added to the Dodgers active roster for the World Series. He pitched four scoreless innings in Game 3, earning the win in an 18-inning game. The Dodgers won the series in seven games.